Today, Mardi Gras day, is a day we celebrate same-sex love.

The love that our Government doesn’t want to recognise legally.

The love that has fought years of discrimination, degradation, and abuse.

The love that shines so brightly, so colourfully and proudly, you can’t help but bathe in its warmth.

We reached out to you – our readers – toshow usyour same-sex love.

And we’re so very happy that, despite the hurdles our politicians have put in your way, you still celebrated. You still dressed up, danced, giggled, and drank champagne.

We hope the very people standing in your way click through this gallery. We hope they see what we all see: pure, real, deep, BEAUTIFUL love.

Happy Mardi Gras day.

This is love.

Elise Crothers and Nikki Molan

Elise Crothers and Nikki Molan

Elise Crothers and Nikki Molan

Elise Crothers and Nikki Molan

Kate and Wendy

Kate and Wendy

Kate and Wendy

Michael and Bjoern

Adam Bub and Nicholas Stewart

Adam Bub and Nicholas Stewart

Adam Bub and Nicholas Stewart

Alison and Elise

Alison and Elise

Alison and Elise.

Ash and Brooke Brazill

Ash and Brooke Brazill

Ash and Brooke Brazill

Shauna Sieger and Madison Wilday.

Sam and Jay with their nephews

Ben and Stéphane

Ben and Stéphane

Jade Sardon and Trish Diffey